Optimal Tilt Angle For Solar Panels

There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels.

Optimal tilt angle for solar panels.

Finding the optimal tilt for your solar panels. The other half of the equation is finding the vertical. The summer optimum tilt angle on the other hand will be 34 15 19. For fall or spring you can just subtract 2 5 from the latitude.

For instance in the san francisco bay area the best solar panel tilt angle is between 22 23 degrees. The optimum tilt angle is calculated by adding 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtracting 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. Similarly you can calculate the angle for winter by adding 15. Both of these angles require latitude degrees.

It s not a good idea to install your panels to face a suboptimal direction even if it means the best tilt possible. A tilt of approximately 25 to 35 will work best for locations in the us. Whatever your latitude is you can subtract 15 from it to calculate the angle for summer. For instance if your latitude is 34 the optimum tilt angle for your solar panels during winter will be 34 15 49.

For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. For a precise method use the second formula on this page to calculate tilt angle. So what is the best tilt angle for solar panels in the united states. For los angeles a solar panel tilt of 19 degrees works the best.

Finding the optimal angle to mount your solar panels optimal azimuth angle for solar panels.